High Tylenol Doses Linked to Liver Woes
(Chicago, AP News, 7/4/06)

Dr. Neil Kaplowitz of the University of Southern California, Dr. Paul Watkins of the University of North Carolina, and team, gave 106 subjects a daily dose of Tylenol equivalent to 8 extra-strength tablets; with some participants taking, in addition, an opioid painkiller. The investigators gave placebos to 39 other participants. The researchers found that, after two weeks, nearly 40% of the Tylenol groups had abnormal liver test results; whereas the placebo group did not experience ill effects. The manufacturer of Tylenol claims that permanent damage will not occur in such cases  because over time the liver adapts to acetaminophen. Further research at the University of North Carolina is aimed at examining the company's contention and determining whether or not the body  avoids damaging effects by acclimating to acetaminophen in the long-term.

(Journal of the American Medical Association, July 2006)